PHOTOS: State Parks unveils new Artpark connector trail in Lewiston

Traffic flow enhancements complete

On Monday, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced a nearly $12 million project to improve and expand the visitor experience at Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park is complete. Upgrades include a new connector trail, entrance features and parking improvements meant to improve traffic flow for events and better connect the park with the trails and amenities of the Lower Niagara River.

Elements of the Artpark project, which began in the spring of 2023, include:

•Installation of gateways at the Portage Road and South Fourth Street entrances to the park to create a more appropriate sense of arrival and assist with circulation;

•Improvements to the signature "Redbrick Path" running through the park;

•Creation of a sloped switchback trail that connects the shoreline trail to the upper Artpark parking area. This includes a direct rock scramble that provides an adventurous climb to the overlook on the escarpment. A scenic overlook will be constructed at the top of the scramble, allowing visitors to take in the views of Artpark and the Niagara River Gorge, and to provide interpretation about the park and surrounding trails;

•Planting of 165 trees and 5,400 shrubs; and

•Transforming the existing South Fourth Street parking lot into a sustainable parking area and multipurpose space.

In addition to $4.4 million in capital funding from New York State Parks, the New York Power Authority and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation each contributed $3 million, and $1.5 million came from the Niagara River Greenway State Parks Standing Committee.

Niagara Regional Director for New York State Parks Mark Mistretta addresses the audience. (Photo by Joshua Maloni)

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At a press conference, Niagara Regional Director for New York State Parks Mark Mistretta said, “You see this smile? This smile is 18 years in the making. I love when a plan comes together. It was 18 years ago when we were developing the Niagara River Greenway Plan that a dot was put on a plan. That dot is that overlook up there – one of the best views in Niagara County. It's spectacular.”

He said, “We are unveiling today what we think is one of the coolest projects ever. Who would have imagined we would have had access down this slope, part of the escarpment. People are raving about it. Yes, it has been open, and there are some photos on social media, but today is the day we are officially opening it with a ribbon-cutting.”

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. (Photo by Joshua Maloni)

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New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “This park, this project, is about connections within the park, the new gateways, the parking lot enhancements. Obviously, the trail improvement is connections within the park, but it's also the core to our wellness is about the connections with each other.”

New York Power Authority Chairman John Koelmel said, “We're proud to partner with Artpark. Proud to partner with State Parks in our neighborhood. I’ll call it our neighborhood. It's just great to see the vitality, the activity, the energy that's here.”

He added, “We're navigating the evolution of the facility,” at Artpark, “and the growth and the opportunity to ensure its sustainability for many, many years to come. And it's great to finally see an outcome like this that we're able to collectively deliver together.

“As we all know, Artpark’s development isn't just about trails and gateways, though. It's about creating spaces where we can all connect, not only with nature, but with art. Most importantly … it's about enhancing our community's quality of life, and boosting the economy through increased tourism and recreational opportunities. As we celebrate these improvements, we're also celebrating the spirit of collaboration and community that makes us all proud to be from the Buffalo/Niagara Region and all of Western New York.”

Bicyclists were seen using the new Artpark shoreline trail on Monday.

Local leaders cut a ribbon to celebrate the grand-opening of the new connector trail at Artpark State Park. (Photo by Joshua Maloni)

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Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Senior Director of Parks and Trails J.J. Tighe said, “In 2018, we made a $100 million commitment to Western New York for parks and trails, and that was really to attempt to connect communities, connect people, create these opportunities for recreation, for tourism, for economic development, and we're starting to see some of those investments come to fruition.”

He added, “What's common through all of these is the partnership. A foundation cannot do anything. We make good investments. But it's the partners on the ground that make these all come to fruition – and they're the ones that are doing all that hard work.”

Artpark & Company President Dave Wedekindt. (Photo by Joshua Maloni)

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Artpark & Company President Dave Wedekindt said, “Artpark celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, not only giving us a great opportunity to look back on our legacy but also look ahead. This project represents an exciting and significant move forward in transforming the way our thousands of annual patrons and visitors will enjoy the park and its arts and entertainment offerings. Artpark & Company greatly values our partnerships with New York State Parks and Lewiston, and we are excited for the new opportunities these connections to the grounds will bring. Additionally, the support of Empire State Development and installation of supplemental power in the upper park will afford new possibilities for programming and experiences."

The project builds on Gov. Kathy Hochul's efforts to encourage outdoor recreation. The fiscal year 2026 budget includes $200 million for State Parks to invest in and aid the ongoing transformation of New York's flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system. The governor's new “Unplug and Play” initiative also earmarks $100 million for construction and renovation of community centers; Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS); and swimming.

The Artpark addition also further reflects the Power Authority’s ongoing support for the Niagara River Greenway; and its goal of creating a world-class trail and greenspace network in the local community that boosts tourism and economic opportunities for Western New York. NYPA’s $9 million in annual funding for Niagara River Greenway projects is tied to a relicensing agreement for the continued operation of the Niagara Power Project.

The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation grant was managed on behalf of State Parks by the Natural Heritage Trust, a nonprofit, public-benefit corporation with the mission to receive and administer gifts, grants and contributions to further public programs for parks, recreation, cultural, land and water conservation and historic preservation purposes of the state of New York.

A new sloped switchback trail connects the shoreline trail to the upper Artpark parking area and boasts a direct rock scramble and scenic overlook with views all the way to Toronto. (Images courtesy of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation)

Marking the successful partnership are, from left, Town of Lewiston Councilman Rob Morreale, Deputy Regional Director at New York State Parks Vincent Iacovitti, Artpark & Company President Dave Wedekindt and Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Broderick. (Photos by Joshua Maloni)